5 Dog-Friendly Villages to Visit in the Cotswolds

One of the best parts of visiting the Cotswolds is exploring its charming villages. With honey-coloured stone cottages, cosy pubs, and scenic countryside all around, these villages are perfect for relaxed days out with your dog. When you stay in dog friendly holiday cottages, it’s easy to spend your days discovering new places before returning to a comfortable base in the evening.

Here are five dog-friendly Cotswold villages that are well worth visiting during your stay.

1. Bibury

Bibury is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in England, and it’s easy to see why. The village is famous for Arlington Row, a picturesque line of historic cottages that attracts visitors from around the world.

Walking through Bibury with your dog is a peaceful experience, especially early in the morning when the village is quieter. The River Coln runs through the centre, offering lovely walking paths and scenic spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings. After exploring, you can return to your dog friendly holiday cottages for a relaxing afternoon.

2. Burford

Burford is known as the “gateway to the Cotswolds” and is one of the region’s most vibrant market towns. The steep high street is lined with historic buildings, independent shops, and welcoming cafés.

Many of the pubs and cafés in Burford are dog-friendly, making it an ideal stop for lunch during a day out. There are also plenty of countryside walks nearby, allowing you to combine a village visit with a scenic walk before heading back to your dog friendly holiday cottages.

3. Blockley

Blockley is a quieter village that feels slightly off the typical tourist path, which makes it a wonderful place to explore with your dog. The village sits in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful countryside.

A gentle stream runs through the village, and there are several footpaths leading out into the surrounding landscape. These paths are perfect for longer countryside walks before returning to the village for a drink or meal. Staying in nearby dog friendly holiday cottages allows you to explore places like Blockley without feeling rushed.

4. Stanton

Stanton is one of the most picturesque villages in the northern Cotswolds. Its traditional stone cottages, wide village green, and quiet atmosphere make it a lovely place for a relaxed stroll with your dog.

The surrounding countryside offers excellent walking opportunities, including sections of the Cotswold Way. After exploring the village and nearby trails, many walkers stop at the local pub before returning to their dog friendly holiday cottages for the evening.

5. Lacock

Lacock is a historic village that feels like stepping back in time. With its medieval streets and beautifully preserved buildings, it has been used as a filming location for many films and TV series.

The village and surrounding countryside offer plenty of gentle walking routes that are perfect for dogs. After wandering through the streets and nearby fields, you can stop at one of the dog-friendly pubs before heading back to your dog friendly holiday cottages.

Final Thoughts

Exploring the villages of the Cotswolds is one of the highlights of any visit to the region. Each village offers its own unique character, scenic views, and welcoming atmosphere for travellers with dogs.

By staying in dog friendly holiday cottages, you can easily visit several villages during your trip while enjoying the freedom and comfort of a home-from-home base in the countryside.